Explain the main features of the French Constitution of 1791.
The main features of the French Constitution of 1791 were as follows:
- Constitutional Monarchy The Constitution made France a Constitutional monarchy.
- National Assembly It was indirectly elected. It had the power to make laws and exercise control over the king and the ministers.
- Right to Vote Only men above 25 years of age who paid taxes equal to atleast 3 days of a labourer’s wage were given the status of active citizens, were entitled to vote. The remaining men and all women, children and youth below 25 years were classified as passive citizens who had no voting rights.
- Power Distribution among different Institutions The powers were distributed among the different institutions as the nobility and clergy were stripped off their powers.
- The Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen The Constitution began with the declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. It included various rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom of opinion and equality before law.